Belarus President’s speech at the Independence Day parade

Independence
Day has rightfully taken a special place in the history of Belarus, Belarus
President Alexander Lukashenko said when speaking at a parade to mark Belarus’
Independence Day in Minsk on 3 July.

“Today our country celebrates
the main state holiday - Independence Day. This day has rightfully taken a
special place in the history of Belarus. It has blended together the sacred
concepts of freedom and independence,” the head of state said.

He recalled that the city of
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, was liberated from the Nazi invaders 74 years
ago. “In the fight against the ruthless aggressor our compatriots demonstrated
uncrushable will, resolve and strength of spirit. Belarusians were not
subjugated by the fascist occupants and together with other fraternal peoples
won in the most terrible and bloodiest wars of the 20th century,” the
Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko
underlined that a nation fighting for its freedom shall always prevail over the
enemyand this axiom was again confirmed during the difficult war times. “The
events of the Great Patriotic War are farther and farther away from us.
Eyewitnesses of that terrible war are becoming fewer. But we will never betray
the ideals for which the valiant defenders of our motherland fought on the fronts
and in the enemy's rear,” the President said.

According to the head of
state, the format of the parade has been expanded this year. Taking part in the
event are servicemen of not only the Armed Forces of Russia, which has already
become a good tradition, but also those of the People's Republic of China for
the first time. “Paying tribute to the events of the Second World War, we
remember that it began in the West and ended far deep in the East. It is
symbolic that the descendants of the victorious soldiers stand in one line
today,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko also
expressed his sincere gratitude to veterans: “By fulfilling your duty, you
defeated the aggressor, defended our right to live in a free country. Your
heroism and dedication will always serve as an example for the present and
future generations of Belarusians.

“This day is a symbol of
courage and fortitude of the Belarusian people, succession of generations and
devotion to duty. It serves as a reminder that the fate of the Motherland, its
present and future depend primarily on our loyalty to the ideals of freedom and
independence, the willingness to preserve peace in our native land,” the
Belarusian leader added.

Alexander Lukashenko noted
with regret that the world is still restless today. Innocent people die in
military conflicts, during terrorist attacks. The world has so far failed to
restore the global balance which was broken at the end of the last century.

In these circumstances Belarus
is actively promoting the initiative of a large-scale international dialogue
aimed at strengthening the architecture of international security. “This
initiative has earned appreciation," Alexander Lukashenko said.

“We show our peaceful policy
in the relations with all countries. We have been strengthening the Union State
with brotherly Russia, expanding the cooperation with China, who is our
strategic partner, and building our dialogue with the western countries on the
principles of mutual respect,” the head of state noted.

“Our historical memory tells
us: the peaceful skies and creative work must be reliably defended. There is no
room for complacency! This is why we take the most decisive measures to
strengthen the military security,” the Belarusian leader said.

According to him, the Armed
Forces make a significant contribution to maintaining the country’s defense
capability. They have been adjusted in accordance with new challenges and
threats of the 21st century. The combat readiness of the regional troops is
properly maintained. The Collective Security Treaty Organization continues its
consistent development.

“Every Belarusian can be
assured that our state is able to defend the sovereignty and independence,” the
head of state said.